The Future of Rowing
Rowing has long been a proud and integral part of life at Dulwich College. It is a sport that offers far more than physical conditioning- it builds character, teamwork, resilience, and leadership. For generations, Dulwich rowers have developed on and off the water into confident, capable individuals, ready to take on life’s challenges with discipline and grace.
Our Vision for Rowing
We believe in the transformative power of rowing- not only as a sport, but as a vehicle for growth, inclusion, and aspiration. We are proud of our track record, but even prouder of our ambition: to offer every boy, regardless of background or experience, the chance to discover rowing and all that it can bring.
Our vision is rooted in access and opportunity. We are committed to:
- Opening the sport to all pupils who wish to try it;
- Providing high-quality coaching and facilities;
- Supporting pupils who need financial assistance to participate fully;
- Growing our presence as a competitive force on the national stage.
Rowing at Dulwich Today
The Dulwich College Boat Club (DCBC), based at our boathouse in Putney, is home to our rowing community at the College. Rowing begins in Year 9, and boys of all abilities are encouraged to join- whether pursuing top-tier competition or simply looking for an active and rewarding team experience. Our land training facilities, including a rowing-specific ergo room, support year-round development.
Our rowers benefit from:
- Year-round coaching and holiday training camps (UK and overseas);
- A culture that values excellence, effort, and inclusion;
- Pathways to continue rowing at university and beyond.
Among our Old Alleynian rowers are Kieran West (Olympic Gold medallist, Sydney 2000) and Julian Bubb-Humfryes (Isis Blue Boat, 2012). Many others have gone on to captain university boats and stay involved in the sport for life.
Our Current Priorities
To deliver on our vision, we must invest in the right infrastructure. A key component of this is our ten-year Fleet Expansion and Replacement Plan (2025–2035), which sets out a disciplined and sustainable approach to renewing and growing our boat fleet.
- Total investment: £549,000 over ten years
- Strategic purchases from leading manufacturers Filippi and Janousek
- Regular phasing out of ageing boats
- Reinvesting income generated from the sale of older stock
This plan will ensure Dulwich crews continue to compete with the best, while every pupil has access to high-quality, safe equipment.
Importantly, we remain committed to enabling pupils to participate in rowing who might not normally be able to afford to participate. The Henley Fund was set up many years ago by a generous contribution by Roger Weston OA specifically to support boys who need financial aid to take part in training camps and competitions. By growing this fund we can enable more boys to benefit from becoming part of our amazing rowing community.
As part of our wider strategy for Dulwich College sport we are also looking at our plans for facilities and other infrastructure.
Join Us on This Journey
By supporting rowing at Dulwich, you are investing in more than boats- you are helping young people realise their potential, build character, and grow as individuals. Whether through a donation towards a new boat, a contribution to the Henley Fund, or broader support for coaching and equipment, facilities and the cementing of links with US Colleges, your generosity will make a real and lasting impact. If you would like to discuss the impact you can make with a gift to rowing, please contact Matt Jarrett, Director of Development, JarrettM@dulwich.org.uk.
Together, we can ensure that rowing at Dulwich remains a source of pride, purpose, and opportunity for every pupil who steps into a boat.
